Soccer
Wigan manager Roberto Martinez's move to Everton has moved closer after Latics chairman Dave Whelan confirmed the two clubs have agreed a compensation payment.
The Spaniard held talks with Toffees chairman Bill Kenwright last week and a deal has now been agreed to buy out the remaining year of Martinez's contract.
Whelan said: "I've reached some terms with the chairman, Bill, of Everton about six o'clock this evening.
"He can now talk to Everton because Bill and myself have sorted the compensation."
Martinez had already held talks, with Whelan's permission, but is now free to discuss contract terms.
Porto coach Vitor Pereira and former Schalke boss Ralf Rangnick had also been linked with the vacancy.
? NORTHERN Ireland manager Michael O'Neill admits he is surprised Wolves teenager Liam McAlinden has chosen to turn his back on the Irish Football Association.
The 19-year-old turned down a call-up for Northern Ireland's U21s last week having informed the IFA he wished to play for the Republic of Ireland.
But McAlinden had played for Northern Ireland at age-group level and joins a number of young players who have taken advantage of a FIFA ruling that allows players affiliated to the north to declare for either side.
O'Neill has made it a priority of his reign to stop the player drain that saw the likes of Darron Gibson, Marc Wilson, Shane Duffy and James McClean opt for the Republic instead of Northern Ireland during Nigel Worthington's tenure, but McAlinden's decision is a setback.
O'Neill said: "It was one which came as a little bit of a surprise to us.
"I think for family reasons he maybe felt a greater sway to play for the Republic of Ireland. He mentioned that when we did have a meeting with him."
Golf Paying attention to the small print is most important as Royal County Down can verify after the Ulster qualifying section for the Irish Junior Cup at Kilkeel, writes Tony McGee.The Newcastle team posted an equal third 336 with Rockmount and Mannan Castle, to take fourth place on countback but they were disqualified for rule infringement,.The Royal County Down team included a player who had not competed in the required number of events throughout the year and, so, the team was disqualified with Mannan Castle moved into the first round of matchplay, after thinking they were out of the competition.Kilkeel topped the qualifiers at home with Warrenpoint second, Rockmount third and Mannan Castle fourth.Last year's All-Ireland winners Donaghadee bowed out of the competition, at Kirkistown Castle where the host club topped the leaderboard. The top four qualifiers, at Cloughey, were separated by just one stroke each, which is a rare occurrence. Donaghadee finished ninth, 12 shots outside the cut.? Results P47 ? AS Damian Mooney's effort to cling on to the top of the leaderboard during the second day's play in the PGA Heritage pro-am exploded, Jimmy Bolger strode in to clinch his first win of the season, writes Tony McGee.Bolger posted his second 69 for a six-under-par 138 as overnight leader Mooney slid to a 79, after opening with a 66. A triple bogey, two double bogeys and four bogeys wrecked Mooney's card.Mark O'Sullivan, with a 68 took second place, one stroke ahead of Murray and David Mortimer.David Ryan and his McCormick family partners, father Phil plus sons Luke and Paul, added a second 95 points to their opening 95 to win the team event.? SNOOKER pro Mark Allen will swap his snooker cue today for his golf clubs as he plays, at Dundalk, in the PGA Irish Club Pros' Championship pro-am, the curtain-raiser to the 36-holes Irish Club Professionals' Championship, which will be played at the Blackrock, county Louth, course tomorrow and Thursday.